The Theme Of Greed In The Monkey's Paw

The belief that fate rules people’s lives implies that those who interfere with it are struck with misfortune. In the short story, “The Monkey’s Paw” the author uses this idea in telling the story of the White family. Upon gaining possession of the monkey’s paw, the family is tempted by its powers, but later learns the risks of using it. This talisman affects the lives of the Whites in an impactful way. The monkey’s paw is a symbol of desire, greed, and trouble, which eventually leads to tragedy.

Starting off, the first use of the monkey's paw symbolizes greed. The talisman gives anyone who possesses it three wishes. Mr. White uses his first wish to gain two-hundred pounds, so that he can pay off his house. This wish is suggested to him by Herbert White, his son. On page 95 of the story, Herbert states, “Why, we’re going to be rich, and famous, and happy. Wish to be an emperor, Father, to begin with: then you can’t be bossed around.” This quote from the story proves the greed behind the use of the first wish. Shortly after, the wish is granted, but is delivered as compensation for Herbert White’s death. The idea of greed in the first wish leads to tragedy in the White family’s lives.

Next, the second use of the monkey’s paw symbolizes desire.

The death of her son, Herbert White, from the events of the first wish, causes Mrs. White to desperately want him back. Thus, the monkey’s paw is used a second time, despite Mr. White’s reluctance to do so. On page 99, Mrs. White cries, “No, we’ll have one more. Go down and get it quickly, and wish our boy alive again.” This quote from the story shows Mrs. White’s desire to get her son back. It implies that she is so desperate to do this that she could care less about the risks involved with using the monkey’s paw. The idea of desire in the second wish helps lead to tragedy in the lives of the White

family.
Lastly, the third use of the monkey’s paw symbolizes trouble. Upon the granting of the second wish, Mr. White hears a faint knock on the door. Frightened of what could be on the other side, he tries to discard the subject. However, Mrs. White is convinced that it is her son, and hurries to open the door. Mr. White does not want the monkey’s paw to bring him further misfortune, and thus, takes action. On page 101 of the short story, the author states, “He heard the creaking of the bolt as it came slowly back, and at the same moment he found the monkey’s paw, and frantically breathed his third and last wish.” This quote from the story shows how Mr. White uses his third wish from the monkey’s paw. He uses it to end the trouble that the second wish caused. The idea of trouble in the third wish leads to tragedy in the White family’s lives.
Greed, desire, and trouble are three negative omens of the monkey’s paw which eventually lead to tragedy. Each of these ideas are symbolized by a wish used by Mr. White. The first wish, greed, was used in favor of oneself. The second wish, desire, was used in response to the negative aspects of the first wish, the death of Herbert White. The third wish, trouble, was used to end the madness of the monkey’s paw so that Mr. White could salvage what he had left. These wishes were used in response to one another, and in the end, they led to tragedy. Mrs. White and Mr. White would never see their son again, as they had interrupted fate by using the monkey’s paw. Greed, desire, and trouble were symbolized by each wish in the story, which ultimately lead to lifelong tragedy.